Meet Aneesa

Aneesa Liriano MS, NCC

“I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that feels warm, collaborative, and genuine”

I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and parents who are navigating life's transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and the impact of difficult life experiences. Whether you're a teenager trying to better understand yourself, a parent looking for support in strengthening your relationship with your child, or an adult working through longstanding patterns, my goal is to help you feel understood while creating meaningful and lasting change.

I began working in the mental health field in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that highlighted how deeply crisis, uncertainty, and isolation can affect individuals, families, and relationships. Witnessing these challenges firsthand shaped my understanding of how emotional pain is experienced not only mentally, but also physically and relationally.

Since then, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient care, partial hospitalization programs, community-based services, and private practice. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every behavior serves a purpose. We all develop ways of protecting ourselves—whether through avoidance, perfectionism, anger, people-pleasing, anxiety, or emotional shutdown. Rather than viewing these responses as flaws, I see them as adaptations that once helped us survive.

My role as your therapist is to help you understand those protective patterns with curiosity instead of judgment. Together, we'll identify your strengths, reconnect with your values, and build a deeper understanding of yourself so that you can respond to life's challenges with greater confidence, flexibility, and self-compassion.

I believe healing happens in relationships, and we are not meant to navigate life's transitions alone. I intentionally structure each session to provide both emotional support and practical tools, helping you create measurable progress while exploring the deeper experiences that have shaped who you are. My hope is that our work together leaves you feeling grounded, empowered, and more hopeful about the future.

Working with Teens & Parents

Adolescence is a season of tremendous growth—not only for teens, but for their families as well. I have a special passion for helping teenagers manage anxiety, emotional regulation, identity development, family conflict, self-esteem, peer relationships, and life transitions. I also believe that meaningful change often happens when parents are included in the therapeutic process.

In my work with parents, I provide guidance, education, and practical strategies to strengthen communication, improve emotional connection, and better understand the needs behind their child's behaviors. My goal is to help families move away from cycles of conflict and toward relationships built on trust, safety, and understanding.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychoanalytic therapy, attachment theory, and parts-based interventions, while integrating systems and family perspectives. Together, we explore how early experiences continue to influence present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors while developing practical skills that foster resilience, emotional regulation, and authentic connection.

Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that feels warm, collaborative, and genuine. I bring curiosity, flexibility, compassion, and authenticity into every session because I believe that feeling safe and understood is the foundation for meaningful healing.

Outside the Therapy Room

When I'm not in session, you'll likely find me hiking with my family, catching up with my twin who lives halfway around the world, or exploring a new restaurant (tacos are almost always my first choice). I look forward to learning about the people, places, and experiences that bring you joy, too.

Who I Work With:

I work collaboratively with young adults, adults, couples, and blended families, with a focus on attachment-based wounds, generational trauma, and experiences of growing up in nontraditional households. My goal is to support clients in exploring, understanding, and making peace with the parts of themselves that can feel difficult to face alone.

I am available for in-person appointments at our New Hope office, as well as telehealth sessions for those located in Pennsylvania. 

You can schedule an appointment with me by using our online portal at any time, or by emailing info@abetterlifetherapy.com. 

My rate per 50 minute session is $120.00

Languages spoken:

English

I work WITH...

Adult Individuals

Adolescent Individuals

Couples

Families

SPECIALIZATIONS:

Attachment wounds

Codependency

Family dynamics

Self Esteem

Generational trauma

Anxiety

Depression

training & Education:

Holy Family University

Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy (CBT)

Certifications:

National Certified Counselor

Further Reading:

Sunshine Guilt: Why Summer Can Increase Anxiety and Pressure to Be Happy

For more information e-mail info@abetterlifetherapy.com.